Decorative

A FINE CHINESE 'SEVEN WORTHIES' & ARCHAIC ...

A rare and well-preserved example of 19TH CENTURY from Late Qing / Early Republic Period (c. 1890 -1920), noted for its craftsmanship, material quality, and historical relevance.

A Fine 'Seven Worthies' & Archaic Script Bottle Vase Blue & White Porcelain -- Qing Dynasty Style (Late 19th/Early 20th Century)\n\nThis vase features a masterfully painted continuous scene of the 'Seven Worthies of the Bamboo Grove'. The scholars are depicted in a lush garden setting characterized by dense Bamboo thickets and broad Plantain (Banana) leaves. The decoration is executed in a vibrant underglaze cobalt blue, utilizing a sophisticated tonal wash technique to create depth and movement within the landscape. The neck is adorned with four vertical columns of Archaic Seal Script (Zhuanshu). These variations of the 'Shou' (Longevity) character are rendered in a precise 'Iron-Wire' brush style. The placement of the script on the tapered neck indicates a bespoke scholarly aesthetic, honoring the classical traditions of the early Qing era.\n\nThe Mark: Features an underglaze blue Double Ring mark to the base. This is a classic ''apocryphal'' tribute to the Kangxi period, a common and respected practice in high-quality later Qing and Republic period porcelain.\n\nThe Foot: A hand-trimmed 'Stepped' foot rim revealing a clean, white porcelain paste. The base shows radial chatter marks from the potter''s wheel, confirming traditional hand-thrown construction.\n\nThe Glaze: The piece exhibits a deep, lustrous, and glassy glaze that beautifully carries the cobalt pigment.\n\nCondition: Excellent antique condition.

— Details

Reference

SA1206468

Origin

Late Qing / Early Republic Period (c. 1890 -1920)

Period

19TH CENTURY

Dimensions

H 28.4cm

Weight

694 g

Provenance

Ex. Private Collection, UK

Condition

Excellent — see description